Batak medicine containers are used by Shaman, the important contents are protected by a finely carved stopper. This example is exceptional due to the level of detail in such a small sculpture. The human figure is wonderfully sculpted with a classic Toba headdress and finely carved face and ears. The horse like ‘Singa’ is finely rendered as well; but the aspect that truly pulls this sculpture together is the flowing ‘wave’ from the top of the headdress to the tail of the Singa. The old rich patina shows great signs of use.
This stopper stands 3 inches in height.